Monday, December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas, Nate ... Semper Fi

Remember our troops at Christmas

In Honor of Lance Cpl.Nate Salatin, USMCand all Military Personnel fromAugusta County, Staunton, and WaynesboroCurrently Serving InIraq, Worldwide & on the HomefrontOur American HeroesThank You For Your Service

My dad, who passed away in 1975, was a Navy veteran from World War II. When I was growing up he was a Sunday School teacher for the 12-year-old boys' class in our Baptist church.

Dad's favorite Christmas hymn was "I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day" ... the words had touched him because of his service during war. I've missed him terribly the past 31 years and think of him every Christmas when I hear this song.

This Christmas Nate is away at war. I'm thinking of him as I remember my dad and all the other military men and women who are currently deployed or who have served to protect our freedoms and to keep us safe.

This is for Dad ... and for Nate.

I Heard the Bells On Christmas DayHenry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas dayTheir old familiar carols play,And wild and sweet the words repeatOf peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,The belfries of all ChristendomHad rolled along the unbroken songOf peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its wayThe world revolved from night to day,A voice, a chime, a chant sublimeOf peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head“There is no peace on earth,” I said,“For hate is strong and mocks the songOf peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;The wrong shall fail, the right prevailWith peace on earth, good will to men.”

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."~ Luke 2: 8-11